Even before the infamous Delhi rape case has had any convictions, we have one more case of similar brutality against woman and this time it happened in a city like Mumbai which is generally considered safest for woman. This incident, wherein a 23 year old photojournalist was gang raped in Lower Parel area, again brings into focus the safety of the fairer sex. So the important question is if Mumbai is following Delhi’s footsteps and leaving its women folk to the vultures? We spoke to a few TV stars about what they felt about this unfortunate situation and possible solutions. Nia Sharma (Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai) says, “While I have always felt safe to live in Mumbai, I could not step out after 7 pm in Delhi. This recent incident shows that the same cultural mindset prevails everywhere. After all, the two cities are not far apart. What really encourages such perverts is the inability of the law to hang them. They know that they will walk out after a few years. Jail for them is picnic, such guys deserve to be castrated.” Pooja Bedi seconded Nia by saying, “We need to get the scum off our streets through fast track courts and severe punishments. The delay in Nirbhaya case is a bad example. They should all have been sent to the gallows by now and a huge public campaign unleashed about it to deter others from committing such crimes.” However here Rohit Roy opposes castration by maintaining, “Why should anybody be castrated? We don't live in a barbaric society. Nor is this Saudi Arabia jahan chori ki toh haath kaat diya jata hain etc.. Forget human rights, I don't support castration. It's barbaric and stupid!! Rape is an illness, castration is NOT the solution.” He continued, “I would request the media not to make it look like Mumbai is now like Delhi. Please don’t sensationalize, we will never become like that. We need to ensure speedy justice. These men are sick and deserve treatment.” Rohit’s brother Ronit Roy (Adaalat) says, “Gang rape is a premeditated heinous crime which leaves the victim invaded bruised and battered. She has to deal with a trauma for the rest of the life and it definitely deserves the highest degree of punishment.” Manasi Salvi (Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara) while feeling unsafe as a working woman feels, “I think the only solution is that woman revert to age old instructions what we got from our mothers ,i.e. not to travel to isolated places, it is better to be safe than sorry. Our parents also told us not to speak to strangers; somehow we forget them when we grow older. ” She also added, “The youth have too much free time they need to be occupied as an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. We also need a strong leader like Narendra Modi who will lash the disciplinarian whip.” Actress turned politician Kunika Lal said, “We need to sensitize the police force so that women complaints are properly heard. Further the force, need to be depoliticized , half of them are used for VIP protection. There are no cops around for the aam admi’s safety. Sadly this gender discrimination extends to political parties where most female posts are not filled.” Talking about punishment, Kunika says, “Although the death penalty is desirable. It is the not solution for the victims will be killed lest they turn witnesses. One thing what can be done is that the perpetrators should be named and shamed.” Sara Khan who condemned this incident in the most harshest terms feared that this situation will force companies to stop hiring woman for they will have to fork out more money to ensure their safety. “I know many women journalists like the latest rape victim and they have to travel at night for work.” Pooja Bedi added, “Companies have to pay to protect all their employees whilst on their premises. But an outdoor job is a different ball game and there is no rule of thumb for protection in such situations. We have women like Barkha Dutt going to the border during battle, Kiran Bedi etc who have not allowed imminent danger to deter them, but did it in a structured, sensible way. Fact is no one should be harmed, raped, and violated. ” Mohammad Nazim (Saath Nibhaana Saathiya) laments the lack of social support. “If I would have been around I would have jumped to her safety at the cost of my life. I request all woman to scream for help and they should be mechanism by which woman can appeal for protection,“ Last but not the least producer J D Majethia (Hats Off Productions) says, “I make sure that all woman crew members are safely dropped home. We don’t really care whether the girl is part of our set up or is on hires from third party contractors, we make sure that all reach home safely. This is especially important in our TV industry where we have sets at distance places. I am sure all other producers also take the same care. I just feel that women should also take care. I am not saying don’t go out but please avoid places which are deserted.” It is a day of shame and we hope justice will prevail!!!